Detroit Tigers' 2018 rookie of year: Utility man Niko Goodrum

A quick look at some of the players who have cashed in since Miguel Cabrera signed his big extension with the Detroit Tigers in 2014.
Ryan Ford, Detroit Free Press

Aug. 24, 2018 in Detroit: Detroit Tigers second baseman Niko Goodrum throws to first base for an out during the sixth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Comerica Park.(Photo: Raj Mehta, USA TODAY Sports)

Niko Goodrum, arguably the Detroit Tigers’ biggest bright spot from a bad 2018 season, is taking home some hardware.

Goodrum was named the Tigers rookie of the year by the Detroit Sports Media on Tuesday afternoon, nearly a year to the date of him joining the team on a minor-league deal.

Goodrum, 26, hit .245 in 131 games last season, with 16 home runs, 53 RBIs and 12 stolen bases. Goodrum played six positions, mostly at second base (64 games) and first base (37).

He ranked second among American League rookies with 48 extra-base hits and tied for second with 42 walks.

Goodrum’s emergence represented a low-risk, high-reward win for the Tigers, who now view the former second-round pick of the Twins as a potential piece for the future: Goodrum is under team control through 2024.